Attitudinal, Institutional and Environmental Barriers Confronting People with Impairments in Masvingo Province: Zimbabwe

Abstract

Issues relating to impairment have been placed in the mainstream of development discourse at global, regional and national levels. Responding to pressure from international human rights regulations, a number of policies and pieces of legislation have been implemented for the improved understanding of people with impairments. However, people with impairments in Zimbabwe continue to face various attitudinal, institutional and environmental challenges.  This study seeks to unveil such challenges which stand as an impediment to their personal and social development. From a qualitative positioning this study used key informant interviews for data collection.  The sample was made up of   purposively selected thirty participants who are living  with impairments. They were all  selected from various districts of Masvingo Province. Challenges that people living with impairment face include limited access to resources such as education, land, skills training and general development. They face negative attitudes from people who are not living with impairments and they also encounter barriers in decision making at micro and macro level. This study therefore recommends empowerment of  people  living with impairments  so that they can be strategically positioned in all sectors of development. This will contribute in achieving individual and collective goals for sustainable development.

Key words:  attitudes, institutions, environment, impairment, disability.

DOI: 10.7176/DCS/9-7-06

Publication date:July 31^st 2019